New data shows mobile devices are now the preffered method for UK users to access and browse the internet.

The future is phones

According to eMarketer, 2017 marks the first time that UK adults are using mobile devices more than any other tech to engage the internet, more than desktops and laptops.

Predictions are forecasting that mobile usage of one hour 59 minutes a day will widen to as much as two hours and 14 minutes by the year 2019. Laptop and desktop usage cap out at one hour and 54 minutes.

Tablets and smartphones are making up the mobile category, with an 8% rise in non-voice activities since 2016.

How did we get here?

A rise in mobile video consumption, coupled with popular messaging apps, are the forces behind the switch in preferred device engagement.

Adult users are spending up to 32 minutes a day on digital video via mobile, a 13.5% increase since 2016. They're also soaking up an hour a day on social networks alone, primarily over smartphone.

Digital media is expected to account for 49.6% of viewing time in the coming year. Television will account for 31.7% of daily media consumption, which is a 2.3% drop since 2016.

With the increase flexibility of smartphones and tablets, mobile devices are fast becoming the new standard in viewing.

How do you consumer your digital media? Do these statistics add up to you? Give us your thoughts in our comments below.